13 Items You Should Buy Used To Save Money

Looking to save money? Be a bit more frugal? I get it! I’ve been on my frugal journey for years; since my first baby was born, almost eight years ago to be exact and I love the freedom of creativity it gives!

Years ago, the thought of decorating my house or replacing a television would have sent me into a panic attack because we just didn’t have that kind of money.

Turns out, I just wasn’t looking at things from the right perspective, that’s all. I automatically thought we couldn’t afford it because I only thought to buy things brand new. Nobody came to me and said look, these are the items you should buy used and it will save you a ton of money!

So that’s what I’m going to do for you. 🙂

13 Items You Should Buy Used To Save Money

1. Gift Cards

Ha! Who knew? I certainly didn’t!

I was introduced to Raise roughly a year ago and love it. People sell their unwanted gift cards for less than what they’re worth. So, for instance, let’s say they received a $50 gift card for Red Lobster for Christmas but hate seafood, they can sell it for less on Raise and still make out. It ends up being a win-win for everyone! You get a $50 gift card for less than that, and they make money from something they were never going to use.

2. Furniture

I’m not necessarily talking about a mattress or couch even, but dressers, tables, desks, things like that you can totally make out on, especially if you are handy! I and obsessed with chalk paint and would love just to sand down every old piece of furniture I could find only to paint it and have it look like a million bucks.

3. Designer Duds & Accessories

Have your eye on a Coach bag but entirely unwilling to shell out the dough? Uhh, yeah, me too. I will, however, buy one for 50% to 75% off! Thred Up is where you’ll find discounts like this on designer-wear. Want even more good news? Get a $10 credit just for signing up!

4. Electronics

Refurbished electronics have come a long way. Computers, iPads, Cell Phones, etc… You can find all kinds of electronics on Amazon and most come with a warranty to boot. *Note – If you’re going to buy something refurbished make sure it’s A) Certified Refurbished and B) Fulfilled by Amazon, HP, Apple, etc. rather than a third party seller. Just my two cents.

You could also do like I did and get enough YouGov points for Amazon or Visa cards and buy it that way. 🙂

5. Exercise Equipment

Exercise equipment is expensive. Plain and simple. There’s no need to go spending hundreds, even thousands of dollars to buy it brand new when you can get a used treadmill, elliptical, or weight machine for a fraction of that. I’m right there with ya when it comes to getting in shape, but there’s no need to break the bank or go into debt to do so.

6. Kids Clothes

This all comes down to personal preference. I’ll admit it, I don’t buy all of my kid’s clothing used, mostly just their play clothes, but it still saves quite a bit of money. That and things like snowsuits and raincoats too.

7. Baby Gear

When I was expecting my first child, my husband and I were barely making ends meet but baby’s need gear and a lot of it. Consignment stores saved us. We were able to buy gently used equipment like bouncers and strollers at a very reasonable price. Most will even repurchase it when your sweet baby grows out of it!

8. Books

My husband bought me a Kindle for Christmas a few years back, and while I enjoy it, there’s just something about opening up a real book, ya know? But holy crap, have you been to the bookstore lately? I wanted to get my husband the Game of Thrones series for his birthday, and it was $70. I dang near fainted right there in the store! Used is definitely the way to go.

9. Entertainment

If you aren’t one of the many who’ve switched entirely to digital music, don’t waste your money on buying your entertainment new. Decluttr is a site that you can buy used video games, CDs, and movies for nowhere near full price.

10. Instruments

Your sweet kiddo is so pumped to start playing an instrument, but the cost is so outrageous, you struggle with the notion. No worries, there are plenty of parents who were in your shoes not long ago, but their sweet baby decided to call it quits. It’s a perfect opportunity for you to save some cash while they’re making it.

11. Tools

Tools are one of those items that very rarely go bad and if they belong to anyone like my husband 😉 are just waiting for someone to come along and use them. If you’re looking to do some hand work around the house or a gift for someone special, you can get tools in excellent condition at a lower price by looking on eBay, craigslist, or a Facebook yard sale site.

12. Automobiles

Depreciation. Nuff said. Seriously though, new vehicles depreciate by the thousands as soon as you take them off the lot. Aside from that, they are built to last and if the previous owner keeps up with the required maintenance, buying used will save you thousands of dollars or hundreds from your monthly payment. Either way you look at it, it’s a bargain.

13. Real Estate

A home that already exists is generally far less expensive than building a new one. Even if you need to spend a little for some upgrades, it’s worth it.

Meet Katie

Welcome! I'm Katie and I'm on a journey to live the life I've always dreamed. My love for family, travel and frugal living keep me moving forward. Join me as I share my successes with the hopes of inspiring others.

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